In the new issue of Regulation, economist Pierre Lemieux argues that the recent oil price decline is at least partly the result of increased supply from the extraction of shale oil. The increased supply allows the economy to produce more goods, which benefits some people, if not all of them. Thus, contrary to some commentary in the press, cheaper oil prices cannot harm the economy as a whole.

Two long wars, chronic deficits, the financial crisis, the costly drug war, the growth of executive power under Presidents Bush and Obama, and the revelations about NSA abuses, have given rise to a growing libertarian movement in our country – with a greater focus on individual liberty and less government power. David Boaz’s newly released The Libertarian Mind is a comprehensive guide to the history, philosophy, and growth of the libertarian movement, with incisive analyses of today’s most pressing issues and policies.

Amy H. Sturgis earned her Ph.D. in Intellectual History from Vanderbilt University. Her primary fields includeScience Fiction/Fantasy Studies and Native American Studies. Sturgis is author of four books on Native American and U.S. history as well as dozens of scholarly and mainstream book chapters, articles, and presentations onhistorical and speculative fiction topics. She has edited five books on sciencefiction and fantasy subjects. In 2006, Sturgis was honored with the Imperishable Flame Award for Achievement in Tolkien/Inklings Scholarship. Sturgis spoke at Cato University on August 2, 2012.